It was a banner day for blue gemstones, with another blue diamond topping $8 million and a 41-carat sapphire going for $2.3 million.
Neiman Marcus Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy Protection
The luxury department store chain succumbed to its mounting debt and the effects of the coronavirus pandemic.

Dallas—Neiman Marcus Group Ltd. filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Thursday amid its struggle with mounting debt coupled with the “unprecedented disruption” caused by the coronavirus pandemic.
The luxury department store chain said it plans to reorganize and emerge from bankruptcy by the fall.
Neiman Marcus, like so many retailers, temporarily closed its 43 locations in response to the pandemic and furloughed 14,000 workers.
The closures, which include Neiman Marcus, Bergdorf Goodman, and Last Call stores, have been extended to May 31 in light of health and safety concerns, said the company, adding that reopenings will not be affected by the bankruptcy proceedings.
The retailer is continuing sales through its e-commerce sites, and is offering curbside pickup at 10 stores, including all stores in Texas, as well as in Tampa, Las Vegas and at its Tysons Corner store in Virginia.
As of Monday, the Atlanta and NorthPark (Dallas) Neiman Marcus stores are available to customers by private appointment.
RELATED CONTENT: So Long: The Big Stores We Bid Farewell to in 2019CEO Geoffroy van Raemdonck said in a press release the company was making “solid progress” toward long-term profitability and sustainable growth until COVID-19 hit.
“We are facing unprecedented disruption caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has placed inexorable pressure on our business.”
The retailer has secured $675 million in debtor-in-possession financing— a type of financing extended to companies in distress that is overseen by the lender and subject to court approval—from its creditors to keep itself afloat through bankruptcy.
Creditors have also agreed to a $750 million financing package to refinance the DIP financing and provide the retailer with additional liquidity.
The bankruptcy filing is expected to eliminate around $4 billion in debt, said the company.
Neiman Marcus said it plans to emerge from bankruptcy in early fall.
It’s the second major retailer to file for bankruptcy recently, joining J. Crew, which went Chapter 11 earlier this week.
The Latest

The men are believed to be part of the group of several masked suspects that robbed Marc Robinson Jewelers in April.

The bridal-focused brand is also launching its Custom Atelier this summer, a digital custom design tool for its authorized retailers.

As gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.

The De Beers Group CEO also discussed tariffs, Desert Diamonds, and the pending sale of De Beers in an interview with Michelle Graff.


The panel discussion will feature LGBTQ+ leaders across the jewelry, luxury, and creative industries.

Inspired by a locket that got run over, the “Smash” capsule collection reimagines the shape of Lichtenberg’s signature style.

With the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.

The company has promoted Katherine Whitacre to the role.

The jewelry manufacturer has added Taylor Swift-esque diamond shapes, and more silver, gold vermeil, and gold-plated jewelry.

Morrison has been marketing diamonds on and off since the early 2000s and said she is leaving to “pursue new projects.”

Those born in June can celebrate with pearl, alexandrite, and moonstone jewelry.

The platform allows retailers to guide clients through a customizable engagement ring buying experience in a branded interface.

Jim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.

When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.

The “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.

The jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.

Up for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.

The Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.

The organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.

Saks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.

Smith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.

The Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.

The retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.

The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.

The price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.

The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.























